“Arab spring”: Success or Failure of Iran’s Policy? Cover Image

„Arabska wiosna” – sukces czy porażka polityki Iranu?
“Arab spring”: Success or Failure of Iran’s Policy?

Author(s): Aleksandra Dzisiów-Szuszczykiewicz
Subject(s): Islam studies, Government/Political systems, Politics and society, Present Times (2010 - today)
Published by: Fundacja Niepodległości
Keywords: Iran; Arab spring; revolution; Islamic awakening;

Summary/Abstract: Events and processes taking place in the Middle East and North Africa since December 2010, have been a huge challenge for the Islamic Republic of Iran. Initially they were met with an enthusiastic reception both by the authorities in Tehran, who expected a propaganda success, the restoration and improvement of relations with the Middle Eastern countries and strengthening Iran’s regional position. The Iranian society – inspired by the success of the revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt – hoped for a new uprising against the regime. It is the expectations and the perception of the “Arab spring” by both the society and the regime, which are presented in the first chapters of the article. The next section deals with the Tehran’s response to the events and processes in various countries of the region within the context of Iran’s interests and values. Bearing in mind these two factors one can observe the ineffectiveness of Iranian strategy. As the months went by a positive approach and enthusiasm were replaced by uncertainty and anxiety about the possible loss of a main ally (Syria), influence in the region and popular support among the Arab societies as well as deterioration of relations with its neighbors. A critical assessment of the hitherto strategy towards the “Arab spring” and its consequences constitute the subject of the last chapter of the article.

  • Issue Year: 2012
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 125-143
  • Page Count: 19
  • Language: Polish